Syrian crisis: Give peace a chance

Published time: 9 Feb, 2012 02:30 Edited time: 10 Feb, 2012 17:24

(AFP Photo / Khalil Mazraawi) / AFP

Mouin Rabbani – Contributing Editor, Middle East Report

The political crisis in Syria has got pretty dramatic. Inside the country, the media reports thousands dead in the year-long conflict. Outside, the temperature’s rising too, as the international community can’t find a compromise on how to help Damascus. After Russia and China vetoed the West-backed UN resolution, Russia’s foreign minister headed to Damascus to talk to the Syrian leader. Shortly afterwards, Bashar Assad agreed to negotiations… And many say the Russian mediation is the last chance to settle the conflict diplomatically. So is it really possible to bring back peace and stability to Syria and avoid a full civil war?We’re asking Middle East expert Mouin Rabbani.